"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Taste Test ~ Black Bean and Corn Dip

 

As per my last post, I am back to share the taste test on this new recipe (dip).


We decided to add feta cheese to it.  I tasted it prior to adding the cheese, and it was more bland.  The only "flavor" was the red onion in this recipe.  It is healthy, so don't let that stop you from trying it.  It is a healthy appetizer to make or make and take to gatherings.  It's great for a snack or light lunch.

Taste test results?  We love it!  Serve with tortilla chips of your preference.

Recipe is Black Bean and Corn Dip
Recipe is online from:  What Molly Made

I had to buy the fresh red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, and fresh green onions for this recipe, but think how nice it would be to make this in the summer with your garden goodness.



I could not find organic candy canes this season, but after two years of searching, I found this organic candy cane syrup (I love a mint hot mocha/hot chocolate).  It does not expire until spring of 2025, and thank goodness for that.  It is made with organic cane sugar, so it is not sugar free (gulp!).  It's a treat for sure.  I do wish it came in a smaller bottle.  I may have to share with the kids.  I wonder if I could freeze half of this?


I hope your holiday spirit is in a good place this season.  It is very quickly approaching.

Friday, December 20, 2024

Nothing "Christmas" Going On (yet)

The newest tincture has been strained.  It's a "Sleep" tincture.  We have not tried it yet, not actually needed it (oddly).

While our handy-man continued working on the rest of the drywall sanding, painting and trim work, I baked us up some delicious beef and bean breakfast burritos (minus the rice).  I actually found a new seasoning recipe on YouTube, and will be using that for any future beef/bean burritos.  We loved it.  She calls the seasoning "All Around Seasoning" and it is perfect for the breakfast.


All Around Seasoning.  In case you are wondering, her burrito recipe is also on YouTube.

Speaking of YouTube, it's a handy resource for just about everything.  From Fix-It videos to "Fix" your body videos. I found myself needing stretching exercises, and I am amazed at how well they are working out for me.  As we get older, health issues can sometimes catch us off radar.

In light of how our bodies change (as we age), we have been looking for line dancing classes.  So far, the local classes have already taken place.  I think it will not only be fun, but keep us physically fit.  Hopefully, we will find something in the next few months or so.  There is no hurry, but the search has been a positive spin on life.



Dinner plans changed last night, and I was patiently waiting on my husband to get home from work.  Little did I know, that he stopped at a restaurant for a Christmas get together for work.  I was binge watching Christmas movies and in the midst of waiting, and finished this blanket.  It's larger than my typical lap afghans, and I do not have a zipper storage bag for it.  It's on the shopping list for now (the storage bag).

I plan to dig out a few Christmas cookie recipes today, but I can't promise anyone that they will be baked this year.  

Cookie baking is not off the radar, but we are still working on the old office room.  I can say, that the drywall, flooring, and all painting (including trim) is finally done.

New Recipe!  I mixed this together yesterday, and the recipe stated to chill it overnight.  I do believe I will be adding some feta cheese to it.  It does not have tomatoes.  It's a "dip" recipe for an appetizer or simply a snack.  It's definitely a bit different.  It does not have lemon juice nor lime in this one.  I'll be back with an update soon.

I did not get my Christmas cards out this year (I did find them ha ha!).  So far, we  have gotten two cards mailed to us.

We got about a half inch of snow last night.  I had plans to muck the chicken coop yesterday, but got busy with indoor housework.   We may get a white Christmas here this year.

Nothing "Christmas" Going On (yet) © December 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart